Late Flight To Lisbon

A vivid and richly told story of the importance of family, true friends, and love.

This evocative story follows the deepening friendship between Louella and Alexa, a woman she meets by chance at JFK while waiting for a flight to Lisbon, and the way their relationship affects them both, allowing them to grow into the people they were meant to be. The author’s deft touch ensures that their connection never drifts into cliché; instead, it is rendered with a realism that is both refreshing and deeply affecting.

Through Alexa, Louella meets Lucas, and this meeting is set to change both their lives. They live far apart, but their relationship deepens quickly, and they make the most of each meeting, relishing their time together while simultaneously counting down the hours they have left.

Louella is encouraged by Lucas to talk about her abusive marriage, and in doing so, she gains a deeper understanding of both her ex-husband and herself. The value of human connection, of having someone truly listen, understand, and support, is underscored in this beautifully told thread that weaves through the book and is a vital part of it.

Late Flight To Lisbon is a story that gently embeds itself into your heart as you absorb the vivid descriptions and wonderfully crafted writing. The revelation, when it comes, is a surprise, yet it also feels inevitable. No life is perfect, and the ending of this story will leave the reader with renewed faith in humanity and the power of love.

The International Review of Books

Melynda Taylor’s beautifully-written LATE FLIGHT TO LISBON takes place in Portugal, New York, Rome, and the Brazilian countryside. We meet Louella Bentley, an American businesswoman, mother of the precious adolescent Jake, divorced from her difficult husband Knox, on a late night flight to Lisbon. Louella sits next to Alexandrina Vieira, a budding artist around her age and her mother Carolina. The two younger women form a loving, intuitive friendship that will take Louella on a grand life journey, that is both intellectual and spiritual. In Lisbon Louella meets a dear friend of Alexandrina’s, the captivating Lucas Braga, a sophisticated and sensitive Portuguese businessman. Taylor’s gift for witty dialogue is apparent in the scenes between Louella and Lucas as they fall in love, and in the days she spends with her beloved son Jake. The characters are multidimensional and engaging. The settings are rich in wondrous details and luminous history. LATE FLIGHT TO LISBON is a compelling love story you will not want to end. It is a treasure.

Carol Orange, award-winning author of A DISCERNING EYE

Late Flight to Lisbon is a triumph of emotional storytelling! Melynda Taylor deftly tells the story of Louella Bentley, as two relationships simultaneously unfold in her life; one a friendship, one a lover. Their growing intimacies are rendered with a rare depth and intelligence, throughout asking the age-old question of whether we are ever truly able to overcome our past griefs and accept true love into our hearts. A sparkling gem of a novel, and a tender love story that lingers long after the last page.

Erin Nieto, author of LOVE AND CONDUCTIVITY

I am at a loss for words to express how incredible this book is. I could write an endorsement longer than a page. The story is fascinating, and from the very first lines, the reader is captivated. The protagonist lets us see that seeming coincidences – a theme of the book – occur when we are present. Through them and in words and actions, we clearly see in the protagonist a strong sense of justice, empathy, and resilience.

Melynda Taylor is a true master of words. Her vast vocabulary allows your imagination to soar and enables you to experience different cities around the world without leaving home. I highly recommend this book; you will not want it to end. Reading it was my favorite moment of the day.

Alondra Moreno Rodriguez, lawyer, humanitarian worker, and travel lover

Engrossing story, not only of romance, but of a deep love that will bring tears to your eyes and hope to your heart. Melynda Taylor, a master of words and storytelling, keeps the reader engrossed from the beginning to the extraordinary end. This book is a keeper – you’ll read it more than once. Immerse yourself in the intelligent narrative, rich use of language and wonderfully crafted story. You’ll be glad you did!

Angie Rowe. author of EATEN BREAD and THE SEVENTH PASSENGER

An exquisitely tender love story is the core of this wonderful story but the threads of life’s pain and joy that are woven into every page are what makes it such an emotionally rich reading experience. I won’t quickly forget Louella and Lucas.

Donna McTavish, business owner, book club enthusiast, Kiwi

Melynda Taylor has masterfully crafted a rich story filled with beautiful settings, and deep emotions. She takes readers on a scenic journey through enchanting destinations, featuring intimate behind-the-scenes details that only could be described by eyes that have truly seen them.

At the heart of the book is Louella, a lively, independent, divorced mother. The reader follows her as she not only finds a true hero deserving of her heart but also discovers the power of fated female friendship. Taylor reminds us that a real treasure in life is finding a friend who becomes family, who nourishes, accepts, and gives us wings as we navigate this world and work to leave our mark.

April Hensley, author of FOUR SEASONS: GARDENING & GROWING IN ZONE 7 and other publications, small business owner

Melynda Taylor’s Late Flight to Lisbon is a radiant novel of romance, healing, and emotional intelligence. With rich language and philosophical depth, it explores the power of listening, love, and renewal across glamorous international settings. The characters feel deeply real, the love story profoundly moving. This is a beautiful, intelligent book, one to savor.

Glenn R. Miller, author of DOORMAN WANTED, 1st Place Humor Royal Dragonfly Awards

To borrow a phrase from Pablo Neruda, Melynda Taylor’s novel is ‘a ship of thought freighted with truth and beauty.’ It shines with insightful intelligence.

Thomas Eckschmidt, best-selling author of CONSCIOUS CAPITALISM and other publications, business leader, motivational speaker

Monumental! I found myself envying the protagonist’s discovery of relationship unobtainium: a believable fully evolved emotionally intelligent man—a person who listens completely and reciprocates in-kind. Their supporting psychological and philosophical discussions are nuanced and apropos without detracting from the diegesis. An altogether satisfying read that will remain on my reread list.

Evelyn Pursley-Kopitzke, prizewinning Classical composer, lyricist, and writer

Melynda Taylor renders a sequence of sophisticated worlds with a focused photographic eye, but the purpose of her novel is to demonstrate the essential power of listening, and being heard. It is a chronicle of marital abuse with the tenderly healing corrective of a loving listener, a romance novel in the fullest sense, where learning the past allows an understanding of how a person needs to be loved. It brings to mind the lyric from the Lennon-McCartney ballad “Hey Jude,” the lesson to “Take a sad song and make it better.”

Alexandra Marshall, author of THE SILENCE OF YOUR NAME: THE AFTERLIFE OF A SUICIDE

I was blown away by the author’s vast and diversified knowledge and found this book to be informative and very engrossing. It gave me a look into the protagonist’s life as she enters a world of glamor, wealth, and international love. Though far removed from the world I know, I immensely enjoyed it.

Carren Strock, author of WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN & Others

I enjoyed this gorgeous novel and love its characters and settings so much that I am eager to read it again. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Lori Starbuck, travel specialist, small business owner, private VIP flight management

This women-centric novel, told with quiet authority and lasting resonance, explores destiny and the transformative power of knowing how we need to be loved. Melynda Taylor writes with a profound knowledge of people and deeply human sympathy. I love this book!!

Whitney Moore-Adams, business owner